Joseph New 1940-2023
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Joseph ‘Joe’ New on Sunday 30th April 2023.
Joe New, along with wife Pauline, became involved with the Mohawks Ice Racing Club (MIRC) when Caron their daughter became a skater in the 1977/78 Season. Joe helped coach and mentor many of the up and coming skaters whilst becoming Club Chairman and a key part of the NSA (BIS) Technical Committee, both organisations also supported by Pauline.
In the 80s Joe became an international referee and would regularly be officiating at National and International Championships, including a career highlight of being appointed as the ISU as assistant referee at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
During the 90s as Caron took on the role as Head Coach of MIRC, Joe would always be present at training sessions, keeping a keen eye on the next generation of skaters and sharing wise words. Joe would be a friendly face at competitions, often helping make the first international races for the next generation of Mohawks and GB racers that little bit more familiar. In particular, Jon Eley, Paul Stanley and Tom Iveson have expressed their appreciation for the support Joe gave them as they transitioned from club to International and Olympic skaters.
Jon Eley, Head of Performance, BIS:
Joe had a big impact many people’s lives and I was very fortunate to be one of them. Joe, Pauline and Caron welcomed me into the sport and gave me the opportunity to make the most of my talent by supporting me in my early days in sport.
Caron, my coach, set me on my way and gave me the foundations to develop on the ice and off the ice. Joe as our club chairman was at every training session and competition supporting and encouraging everyone – always going above and beyond for the skaters and the club.
I will always remember sitting in Joe and Pauline’s kitchen two days before my first British Championship, with Joe spending all evening fixing my boot and heat moulding them in his kitchen oven. He must have done a very good job as I went on to win the British Championship (Pee-Wee), which was the first competition I ever won.
Joe, Pauline and Caron not only had a big impact on the Mohawks club, they also developed many skaters that went onto represent GB at the Olympics and Worlds, winning world championship medals and breaking world records. They would always tell us how proud they were of our achievements in the sport and they even came to support the team at international events.
Thanks to the New family and their support and dedication to our sport, many of my teammates and myself have gone on to provide other young people with life-changing opportunities and experiences.
On behalf of everyone at British Ice Skating and the sport of Short Track, our condolences to Caron and her family and a huge thank you for what you and your family have given to our sport and the people within it.
Funeral Arrangements from the Family:
Wednesday 24th May at 2.10pm
Gornal Crematorium, Chase Road, Gornalwood DY3 2RRL
Family flowers only and donations to the Mohawks Ice Racing Club
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